Please see my message in regards to the celebration on what would have been Jayant Haribhakti’s 100th birthday.
It is indeed a great pleasure for me that at the age of 88, I have the opportunity to witness this auspicious day.
During my law study, I had the opportunity to stay with him and also in the hostel for two years.
Apart from this, I do have a clear memory of the time when Jayant Bhai was reading his medical course in Bombay at J.J. hospital. One day he took me with him and introduced me to his friends even though I was 12 years younger than him and it was a surprise to his friends when, while we were at the dinner table, he offered me good, delicious food and took me to Chapati for bhel puri and ice cream.
During that period of his studies, he was a firm believer for the independence of India and joined as a freedom fighter and ended up being arrested for a few days. I still have a photo of him in a Gandhian cap, which I will also be sending you.
Another memory I have of him was when he started his practice as a surgeon, initially in Baroda, and he joined SSG Hospital. However, he was not satisfied with it, so he moved to Ahmedabad to Poly Clinic. As a surgeon, he did his profession as per the pledge required before one can start in the profession. He was most generous and charitable to his patients and made his name not only in Gujarat but many other countries. During my travels to other countries (U.K., USA and Canada) people asked me “Do you know Jayant Haribhakti?" and started praising him of his generous nature, as there were many times where he did not even charge people for his services.
In short, Jayant Bhai was a true patriot, a true professional, and was the pride not only of the Haribhakti family but of all Gujarati’s that knew him.
He kept the flag of Haribhakti high and high and on this occasion, I offer my salute to him.
